Check out these 4 places to play in the water

Angie Shireman sets out on her paddleboard in Horsetooth Reservoir Thursday, July 17, 2014. Shireman said she took up paddleboarding after a recent brain surgery kept her from practicing yoga. She now says she comes to paddleboard in Horsetooth Reservoir nearly every day. (Photo: Erin Hull/The Coloradoan)

Angie Shireman, left, and Tara Sawdon enjoy the afternoon stand up paddleboarding at Horsetooth Reservoir Thursday, July 17, 2014. Shireman said she comes nearly every day to paddleboard in the reservoir. (Photo: Erin Hull/The Coloradoan)

Angie Shireman sets out on her paddleboard in Horsetooth Reservoir Thursday, July 17, 2014. Shireman said she took up paddleboarding after a recent brain surgery kept her from practicing yoga. She now says she comes to paddleboard in Horsetooth Reservoir nearly every day. (Photo: Erin Hull/The Coloradoan)

Angie Shireman, left, and Tara Sawdon enjoy the afternoon stand up paddleboarding at Horsetooth Reservoir Thursday, July 17, 2014. Shireman said she comes nearly every day to paddleboard in the reservoir. (Photo: Erin Hull/The Coloradoan)

Angie Shireman sets out on her paddleboard in Horsetooth Reservoir Thursday, July 17, 2014. Shireman said she took up paddleboarding after a recent brain surgery kept her from practicing yoga. She now says she comes to paddleboard in Horsetooth Reservoir nearly every day. (Photo: Erin Hull/The Coloradoan)

This week, USA Swimming and Speedo ranked the Fort Collins/Loveland area as the No. 6 best swim city in the country, a ranking buoyed by the area's impressive number of USA Swimming members, clubs and top-performing swimmers.

With impressive bodies of water like Horsetooth Reservoir and Boyd Lake, it's easy to see why we have so many donning swimsuits during the summer.

Whether you're into wakeboarding, stand up paddleboarding (SUP), fishing, party boating or training for a triathlon, there's a body of water and plenty to do at these four area lakes and reservoirs.

Temperatures are expected to swell to the high 90s and maybe even triple digits this week. Take a dip.

Overview: The area's most popular body of water, the 2,040-surface-acre reservoir stretches 6.5 miles between the foothills ridges west of Fort Collins and is a mecca for boating, fishing, water skiing, riding jet skis, paddling, partying and camping.

Where: Larimer County roads 38E and 23, just west of Fort Collins

Water talk: Perfect. The reservoir is basically full, at 99.5 percent, with water temperatures this week at 73 degrees.

Boating: Any boats entering Horsetooth must be inspected for exotic mussels. Inspections take place from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily at Inlet Bay, South Bay and Satanka boat ramps.

Water skiing/tubing: Best in early mornings and evenings during the week when the water is less crowded. If you're an endurance swimmer, check out the Horsetooth Openwater Swim on Aug. 10 at www.horsetoothswim.com.

Swimming: South Bay and Sunrise swim beaches. South Bay can be accessed by driving north through the South Bay Inlet area. Sunrise is located on the east side of the reservoir, and can be accessed by driving north on Centennial Drive past Rotary Park. There are no lifeguards on duty.

Camping: Of the 156 campsites here, 15 are boat-in-only sites. The boat-in sites are strung along the west side of the reservoir, stretching from Dixon to Soldier coves. These are secluded and right on the water with the only amenity being restrooms. The rest are found at South Bay and Inlet Bay and can accommodate tents and RVs (cost: $15-$30 per night). Cost is $20 per night for boat-in sites. Reservations are accepted at www.larimercamping.com.

Overview: This 1,700-surface-acre reservoir between Fort Collins and Loveland is one of the state park system's premier water-based parks. It's open to boating, jet skis, water skiing, paddling, fishing, sailing and camping.

Where: Larimer County Road 11C between Fort Collins and Loveland

Water talk: Boyd is close to full at 1,600 surface acres, and the water is a refreshing 70 degrees.

Boating: Any boats entering Boyd must be inspected for exotic mussels. Inspections take place from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily through September, main boat ramp only. The Heron Cove boat ramp launches jet skis only.

Water skiing/tubing: Water skiing is only allowed in the south portion of the lake.

Swimming: The swim beach is open daily 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. through September. Float toys may be used in the buoyed-off swimming area. Swimming from vessels is permitted in the three designated no-wake areas.

Overview: This 3-mile-long and 1-mile-wide reservoir southwest of Loveland includes 1,100 surface acres of water, is best known for its premier sailing and features an active sailing community. Carter tends to see fewer water skiers and jet skiers than Horsetooth or Boyd Lake.

Where: Larimer County Road 31, about 7 miles southwest of Loveland

Water talk: Full and chilly. Carter is about 99 percent full and water temperature is 65 degrees.

Boating: Any boats entering Carter must be inspected for exotic mussels. Inspections take place from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily at Carter Lake North and South Shore ramps and 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday at the North Pines ramp.

Water skiing/tubing: Best in early mornings and evenings during the week when the water is less crowded, though Carter is not as packed as Horsetooth or Boyd. Pack your wet suit.

Swimming: The only place you can legally swim is the Carter Lake swim beach located at Carter Lake Dam No. 2 on the east side of the lake. Swim hours vary. No lifeguard on duty.

Sailboating: This is one of the state's premier bodies of water to sail and is home to the 56-year-old Carter Lake Sailing Club (www.sailcarter.org). Winds are best for sailing from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and after 4 p.m.

Camping: Few of Carter Lake's 95 camping sites are right on the water. Your best bets are sites 17-21 at South Shore. They are close to the water and the boat ramp. Camping rates vary from $15 to $25 per night. Reservations (recommended) are accepted at www.larimercamping.com or (800) 397-7795. Note: Camping fees are not accepted at campsites. If you do not make a reservation, you'll need to visit the Larimer County administrative office at 1800 S. Larimer County Road 31 in Loveland to purchase your campsite. Hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday.

Overview: This quaint lake in downtown Windsor is a great family spot for beach play, swimming and trying out stand up paddleboards for the first time. Take a run on the 2 ½-mile trail around the lake and bring the fishing rod to catch trout, yellow perch and blue gill.

Where: Boardwalk Park, 100 N. Fifth Street, Windsor

Water talk: Windsor Lake is untreated agricultural water, which carries an inherent risk of possible exposure to pathogenic organisms. Algae may be present. Samples of Windsor Lake are collected regularly during the summer months by the CSU Environmental Quality Laboratory.

Rentals: Kayak, SUP, paddle boats and canoes are available for rent from the concession stand. Cost is $5 for 30 minutes (cash only). Life jackets are provided.